Daniil Medvedev. Photo: Collected

BRISBANE, Australia, Jan 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Three-time Australian Open 
runner-up Daniil Medvedev warmed up for an assault on this year's opening 
Grand Slam in perfect fashion by winning the Brisbane International final on 
Sunday.

The Russian world number 13 was too strong for American Brandon Nakashima and 
ran out a 6-2, 7-6 (7/1) winner in 96 minutes on Pat Rafter Arena for his 
22nd ATP Tour title.

Medevdev broke a shell-shocked Nakashima twice in the first set and looked on 
course for a quick victory.

Nakashima rallied in the second to force a tiebreak but the towering Russian 
raced to a 5-0 lead in the breaker and the match was as good as over.

"I started pretty strong but then Brandon found his way back, saved some 
match points then almost got it to a third set," Medvedev said.

The Australian Open begins in Melbourne next Sunday, January 18.

"It's been a great start to the year," said Medvedev, who made the final in 
Brisbane in 2019.

"I said then that I would try and come back and win it. I came back seven or 
eight years later and I'm happy to hold the trophy."